England predicted line-up vs Brazil: Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Man Utd stars get nod amid Saka and Kane blow

England will get their preparations for Euro 2024 properly underway with a high-profile friendly against Brazil at Wembley on Saturday evening. The Three Lions have not faced the five-time World Cup winners since 2017, when the two nations played out a 0-0 stalemate beneath the famous arch.

Gareth Southgate fielded a vastly different side that evening, with the likes of Joe Hart, Jake Livermore, and Jamie Vardy all in his starting XI, and Eric Dier sporting the captain's armband. England will fancy themselves as a much classier outfit these days, but they will still head into the weekend without a couple of big names at their disposal. On Thursday it was confirmed that Bukayo Saka had returned to Arsenal to continue his rehabilitation from injury, while Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is a considerable doubt, and may only be fit enough to face Belgium next Tuesday. The expectation is that Southgate will attempt to name his strongest possible side on Saturday, before heavily shuffling his pack a few days later.

With that in mind, how are England likely to line up against Brazil on Saturday? We've taken a look at the Three Lions' probable starting XI below...

Jordan Pickford - GK

Undeniably England's number one goalkeeper at this stage, Pickford should start against Brazil, and remain as Southgate's first choice heading into the tournament in Germany.

Kyle Walker - RB

With Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kieran Trippier all out injured, plus Ben White making himself unavailable for selection, Walker presently has relatively little competition in a position that is usually remarkably stacked.

Harry Maguire - CB

A favourite of Southgate's, and undoubtedly in better form than he has been at other points during his England career, Maguire is probably still just about a starter at the heart of defence, even if his continued inclusion does irk plenty of supporters.

John Stones - CB

Stones has been revelatory for Manchester City at times this season, and will no doubt be one of the first names on Southgate's team sheet heading into the summer. In fact, the only issue England have with the centre-back is that they don't have two of him.

Ben Chilwell - LB

Similar to Walker in the sense that injuries to Luke Shaw and the aforementioned Trippier all but guarantee him a starting berth, the only other obvious potential option for Southgate would be to drop Joe Gomez in at left-back.

Declan Rice - CM

A pivotal presence for this England side, Rice is another guaranteed starter for the Three Lions. The only question at this stage is who Southgate will select alongside him.

Conor Gallagher - CM

Kobbie Mainoo has been called up to the senior squad, of course, and at some point we are likely to get a glimpse of the Manchester United teenager in an England shirt, but in the immediate future, Southgate is probably more likely to opt for one of his more experienced names from the outset against Brazil. It could be Gallagher, it could be Jordan Henderson - although you suspect that many people would rather it was the former.

Jude Bellingham - CM

One of the best players in world football today, Bellingham has been absolutely electric for Real Madrid this season, and has proven that he is most effective in a more advanced role. Hopefully Southgate agrees.

Phil Foden - RW

It is understood that the initial plan was to play Foden on the left wing against Brazil, with Bukayo Saka on the right and Harry Kane through the middle. Injuries to the latter two have scuppered those hopes, so the Manchester City star could make a swap to the opposite flank.

Ollie Watkins - ST

With no Kane in the starting XI, it is likely to be either Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney who lead the line against Brazil. The Aston Villa talisman has a record of three goals in nine England caps so far.

Marcus Rashford - LW

And finally, Marcus Rashford should be the preferred option to start on the left wing in the absence of Saka. The Manchester United forward will be hoping to rekindle his best form between now and the beginning of Euro 2024.